Refugee sponsor groups can now apply through the permanent residence online portal

Ottawa, November 6, 2023—As part of ongoing efforts to offer more online options to clients, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the Permanent Residence Portal to private refugee sponsor groups. Before the end of the year, IRCC will also open it up to some government-assisted refugee referral partners.

This expansion gives sponsors a more convenient, secure and efficient way to submit their applications and referrals. They will receive immediate confirmation that they have successfully submitted an application, and can avoid delays and issues with submitting applications by email.

Online application submissions will also improve the intake process by preventing most incomplete applications from being submitted. This will save time and allow IRCC officers to focus on moving complete applications forward.

IRCC is working closely with the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) and other partners to help sponsor groups successfully transition to the portal. RSTP has been holding information sessions and will be providing training and additional supports. Updated instruction guides are also available on the IRCC website.

Refugee sponsor groups will have until December 31, 2023, to transition to the Permanent Residence Portal. Starting January 1, 2024, IRCC will only be accepting applications submitted through the portal or by mail.